You want to set the laptop to output via the VGA normally there is a function key combination Fn+ F4,5,6 depending on the laptop have look on the row of function keys and look for something like a picture of a monitor or a label CRT . Hold down the Fn key bottom left and tap the function key. It will cycle through the various options like Laptop only, Laptop and Monitor ,Monitor.
USB to USB won't work and will possibly damage your computer/TV.
Normally you connect VGA-VGA male such as this
You also need to set the TV to input from the VGA socket.
If you use VGA you will get picture but not sound, you need to press the Fn key at the same time as pressing the appropriate F key ie F5 the one you want will have a basic picture of a tv on it, on mine its F8.
press once will switch from laptop to tv, press again will switch back, press twice quickly and you will get picture on both.